Having annexed the R4,25-million winners’ prize in the Telkom Knockout competition and currently heading the Premier Soccer League (PSL) table, high-flying Silver Stars face a moment of truth when they play defending PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Super Stadium on Wednesday night.
A victory over The Brazilians would surely silence even the most sceptical among those who doubt Stars’ staying power in the league title race.
On the other hand, the rags-to-riches club could come hurtling back to earth in the manner of a falling star if Sundowns repeat the scintillating form they displayed in last week’s 5-2 lambasting of Benoni Premier United.
Either way, the issue as to which of the two teams will lead the PSL title race going into the Christmas recess will be settled at Atteridgeville, with Sundowns requiring nothing less than a victory to vault above Stars.
The timeous game has all the ingredients of a fascinating thriller, with interest seemingly exceeding that of the Telkom Knockout final at the venue where Simba Marumo (Stars) and Godfrey Sapula and Jose Torrealba (Sundowns) have been in scintillating scoring form — with any of the trio capable of emerging a match-winner on this occasion as well.
Kaizer Chiefs, meanwhile, will be out to repeat the rampant form that accounted for Maritzburg United by a 6-1 margin and demonstrate they are back in the hunt as title candidates at Loftus Stadium on Wednesday night.
Orlando Pirates hope to emerge from the doldrums when they play beaten Telkom Knockout finalists Ajax Cape Town in Kimberley on Wednesday afternoon.
The ghostly Buccaneers, however, will be without key players Lebohang Mokoena (suspended) and the injured trio of Tonic Chabalala, Tico Okonkwo and Jabu Mahlangu as they attempt to improve on their league position (13th) after only three wins in nine matches. — Sapa
Wednesday’s Premier League fixtures:
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Silver Stars at the Super Stadium (8pm); Ajax Cape Town vs Orlando Pirates at Kimberley Stadium (3.45pm); AmaZulu vs Moroka Swallows at Princess Magogo Stadium (3.45pm); Kaizer Chiefs vs Santos at Loftus Stadium (8pm); Jomo Cosmos vs SuperSport United at Huntersfield (3.45pm)